Preparing yourself for an emergency

Be prepared

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you protect yourself and others in an emergency:

keep all important telephone numbers with you including those of family and friends

ensure you and your family all have the phone number of a friend or relative who lives outside Middlesbrough

make family plans for local emergencies and ensure your children know what to do; consider practicing the plans

if you live near an industrial site you will be advised about any special emergency arrangements that have been put in place - ensure your family understand what to do.

In an emergency

In the event of an emergency you should initially, if it's safe to do so, follow the advice to:

Go in

Go indoors and close all doors and windows

Stay in

Stay inside until you hear it's safe to leave

Tune in

Listen to local radio or TV for regular updates and further instructions.

You may also be able to get information and advice via Cleveland Police (@ClevelandPolice), Cleveland Fire Brigade (@ClevelandFB), and Middlesbrough Council (@MbroCouncil) on Twitter, but you should always pay most attention to local radio and TV.

Importantly, consider any neighbours who may have trouble hearing, reading or understanding information that is given out. Help them if you can.